Emerald Ash Borer

EAB Detected Near Fitchburg
The presence of EAB in an ash tree on private property on the north side of Madison near Warner Park was confirmed on November 22, 2013. This is the closest known occurrence of EAB to Fitchburg and the first detection in Dane County.

EAB, however, could already be present within the City limits in ash trees on private or public property. Visible signs of an infestation generally do not become apparent for 3-5 years. Furthermore, the City does not have the resources for ongoing, widespread monitoring of ash trees for signs and symptoms of EAB. Given our proximity to the confirmed presence of EAB in Madison (and in adjacent counties), the question is not if EAB will get to Fitchburg, but when it will get here. EAB will attack and kill any ash tree not correctly treated with insecticide, regardless of species, age, size, health condition, or location.

2014 Emerald Ash Borer Information Sessions

Urban Forestry staff provided information to help homeowners with ash trees on their properties make informed, cost-effective decisions on treatment options for EAB. View the presentation.

If you decide to treat your ash tree, the City Forester recommends that you contact a certified arborist for information on treatment options. Learn more

If you decide to remove your ash, do so before EAB attacks it. Learn more

Reporting EAB

If you are sure you have an ash tree and notice signs or symptoms of EAB on it, please first call the City Forester. If he is unavailable, leave a message and call the Director of Parks, Recreation, and Urban Forestry. Leave a message if necessary. If you speak with neither directly, then call the Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection’s EAB hotline at1-800-462-2803.

Emailing digital photos of your tree to the City Forester or Parks Director is encouraged.